We’re Dying to Get a Scoop Here: America’s Best Ice Cream Parlors

It’s summer, and we don’t have to tell you twice that it’s time to think about Ice Cream. And we know that we’re going to eat that packaged-ice-cream-truck-vending-machine crap plenty of times, but that’s not really ice cream. Thank God you can still find those small batch, made by hand fresh every day ice cream parlors all around the country, because there is nothing else that can even come close to the premium ice cream experience. Some of these are gourmet shops, some are as back to basics as you can get. But they’re all making us hungry for ice cream.

We are setting out to find those one-of-a-kind ice cream experiences all across the country. We’ve made ourselves a starter list of our favorites as well as the places we are dying to try, but we’re counting on you to fill in the blanks and let us know — are these hits? are these misses? and what small local ice cream parlors are we missing? Send us your favorites, and let us know what the best flavor they have is. Leave them in the comments or email us at editor@theinterrobang.com. Look for the revised master list to hit the site just in time for July 4th weekend. Thanks!

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Humprey Slocombe in San Francisco, California.

Humphry Solocombe is not focused on kids and it’s far from traditional. In fact, many of their most famous flavors revolve around the taste of alcohol. But people line up in droves, especially for their most popular flavor, Secret Breakfast. Check them out @humphryslocombe on twitter and www.humphryslocombe.com on the web.

Ici Ice Cream in Berkeley, California.

Created by the former pastry chef at Chez Panisse. The truly unique hand rolled ice cream cones made fresh daily are as big of a star as the ice cream itself. Everything is small batch, and focused on the purest and best ingredients available locally and seasonably. Flavors change daily but we don’t think it matters what flavor you go home with. It seems almost impossible to get a bad scoop here. Find them at @iciicecream on twitter www.ici-icecream.com on the web.

Fosselman’s Ice Cream in Alahambra, California.

Family owned and operated for 91 years, and their milk shakes are known near and far. This is a true ice cream parlor, keeping everything that was excellent about old school ice cream shops, while still bringing in some modern unique flavors. Find them at www.fosselmans.com on the web.

Salt and Straw in Portland, Oregon.

Described as a farm-to-cone ice cream shop, it’s all about the ingredients here, but there’s nothing plain or simple about Salt and Straw, and kids are clearly not their focus. You only have to read through the flavors list to understand what we mean. But even if you think their flavors sound terrible, you have to admit you are curious. Must try: sweet sticky rice sundae with carmelized bananas and cinnamon croutons. Visit on twitter @saltandstraw and on the web at www.saltandstraw.com.

Some of their popular flavors: Sea Salt Ice Cream with Caramel Ribbon, Cream of Bone Marrow with Smoked Cherries, Dandelion Sorbet with Spring Flowers, Pear with Blue Cheese and Sweet Heat Apricot Wheat Ale with Candied Peppers, and Arbequina Olive Oil. Don’t worry you can still get Singing Dog Double Fold Vanilla and Chocolate with Gooey Brownies if you’re less adventurous.

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Prince Puckler’s in Eugene Oregon.

When President Obama wanted ice cream in Oregon, he came to Pucklers. Now this may seem somewhat ‘who cares’ to some people, but believe us, whoever advises the President on where to eat, knows what they’re talking about. It’s simple, it’s basic, and they’ve been making great ice cream in Oregon for almost forty years. Visit them on the web at princepucklers.com.

The flavor list: PP’s flavors veer more toward the traditional end of the spectrum, but you won’t get bored. Galaxy (Chocolate malt w/white chips and chocolate chips), Muddy River, Black Tiger Stripes, and Chai Tea add to the more traditional favorites like Fresh Bing Cherry, Mint Chip and Coconut.

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Sweet Action in Denver, Colorado.

Denver has a lot of great ice cream to choose from, but we went with Sweet Action for our one to beat. The shop is simple and relatively frill-less but that’s because they’ve put all of their resources into amazing ice cream. A unique and very tempting flavor list served in their signature “hello my name is” pints. Visit them at sweetaction.com on the web and on twitter @sweetactionic.

Morelli’s in Atlanta, Georgia.

It’s dense. It’s creamy. Their flavors are fun, sweet, and very kid friendly, but still manage to branch out from the traditional basics. Kind of ice cream on acid. And even though they’ve only been open since 2008, they’re already winning best of awards around Georgia and around the country. Find them on the web at www.morellisicecream.com.

Some of their flavor highlights include: Krispee Kreamier (described as hot Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts mixed together in a creamy batter and turned into ice cream), Amarena Cherry, Balsamic Strawberry, Avocado, Sweet Potato Pie, East Indian Kulfi, and Elvis Lives, a concoction of handmade banana ice cream with peanut butter and chocolate chips.

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Leopolds Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia.

Leopolds may seem a tad bit cinematic, but that’s because it was designed and decorated by Academy Award nominated set designer Dan Lomino along with the owner Stratton Leopold, who also happens to be a film producer. The original shop, founded in 1919, closed in 1969. But Stratton reopened the business in 2004, using many of the original fixtures. All flavors are made on the premises, one batch at a time, using top-secret family recipes handed down from the original Leopold brothers. Visit them at leopoldsicecream.com on the web and @leopolds_ic on twitter.

Moomer’s in Traverse City, Michigan.

This is where you bring the family. The cows that made your ice cream are sitting right outside. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. Instead of focusing on wild unique flavors, the focus is on how fresh and pure their ice cream is. When you are that close to the cream, it’s hard to imagine getting anything other than vanilla, but don’t worry, they have lots of other choices too. Visit them on the web at moomers.com.

Jeni’s Ice Cream in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio has several great ice cream spots, and why wouldn’t they? It’s farm country. And Jeni’s is one of the best in the state. They build every recipe with luscious, Snowville milk and cream from cows that eat grass, and they call it ice cream you’d want to bathe in. Visit them on the web at jenis.com or on twitter @jenisicecreams.

Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Young’s is a working dairy farm, so you’re not going to get any fresher than this. All the ice cream is made right on the farm from a 15% butterfat mix so it’s dense, creamy and delicious. Award winning shakes, obviously. It’s a full family experience with a full year round calendar of events, miniature golf, kiddie corral picnic grounds and more. Visit them on the web at youngsdairy.com and on twitter @youngsdairy.

Some of their best flavors: Cherry Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cow Patty and if there’s any place you want to experience the pure perfect vanilla, its here.

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Homer’s Ice Cream in Wilmette, Illinois.

Started in 1935, Homer’s is an old fashioned restaurant and ice cream parlor that has stayed solid for almost 80 years. If infusions and gourmet flavors aren’t for you, you’ll be very happy with the great list of standards done right at Homer’s. Just great shakes, hot fudge sundaes and splits. It’s the kind of place you can take the kids after a ball game, and be treated to a real family, small town experience. Find them on the web at homersicecream.com.

Some of the specialty flavors: This is the kind of place where the old standards like Butter Pecan, Chocolate Chip, Heath Bar Crunch, and Rum Raisin are so good that you don’t need modern takes. But they do a few specialty flavors like Kona Hawaiian Coffee, Fresh Peach, Raspberry Chocolate Chip and Peppermint Stick are some of the favorites.

Toscanini’s in Cambridge, Massachussetts.

Opened in 1981 as a labor of love, they’ve grown to be one of the most talked about ice cream parlor’s in the country. The New York Times wrote that Toscanini’s was “the world’s best ice cream.” People Magazine said that they had the best vanilla ice cream in the US. Their style is a blend between sophisticated and fun and their sundaes are legendary. Find them at www.tosci.com on the web and on twitter @tosci.

Woodside Farm in Hockessin, Delaware.

There’s no fancy website with lots of pictures and logos, and the flavors are hung on a board daily, but if you’re in the mid-atlantic states, this is the place to go. Get the basic details at WoodsideFarmCreamery.com.

Check out the Flavor List: Some of the highlights are, their bacon ice cream (featured on the Food Network), Peanut Butter and Jelly, Motor Oil, Orange Honey Blossom, and Chocolate Coconut Almond, but don’t skip the basics here. It’s the quality of their cream that is the standout, so you can’t go wrong with vanilla and chocolate.

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Ridgefield Ice Cream in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

The Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop will literally take you back in time. Ridgefield Ice Cream is one of those drive up, old school ice cream stands that specializes in soft server, and being the place to meet after dance recitals and little league. But it’s better than that. At Ridgefield, the ice cream machines are all vintage. Roadfood.com was the first to highlight the glory of RIC and its fanatical owner Felix Lechner who maintains the highest soft-serve standards in the country by vintage machines that are no longer made to create dense, high butterfat soft serve instead of air filled ice cream. Get details on how to visit on their local listing.

Don’t forget, write us in the comment sections or to our email to let us know if you agree with our picks, and what are we missing? Master list goes up for July 4th Weekend.

@LizSetsFire as long as it doesn’t have ham in it…I think it’s ok right?

MillieHatchett

June 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm

Best ice cream EVER is Hovermales in Fort Washington MD….no website but they have a YELP! http://www.yelp.com/biz/hovermales-taste-best-fort-washington

Ryn

June 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm

The Creamery at Penn State.

EMC

June 14, 2012 at 3:43 pm

My mom (PS ’66) raves to this day about the creamery.

Jb1

June 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm

Toricos homemade ice cream parlor 1st st and Erie st Jersey City, nj

AirborneRanger

June 14, 2012 at 2:14 pm

Cabarrus Creamery in Concord, NC (near Charlotte) – been around since 1923 – one flavor you need to know – ‘Moon Pie’ – http://cabarruscreamery.com/ – good as it gets for fresh ice cream that will make you need a shot afterward.

Stanley Kubrick MacDonald

June 14, 2012 at 2:14 pm

Kathleen from the bronx is losing her mind right now….. BASSETT’S in philadelphia…. Started in 1861 and still family owned and operated…. interned for them in the 90’s…. great people and amazing icecream…. GO TO THE READING TERMINAL FOR A HISTORIC TREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KathleenBx

June 14, 2012 at 2:41 pm

@Stanley Kubrick MacDonald
Haaah… dude yeah, Bassetts is wonderful. I love it. And this is one of those cases where just their simple vanilla on a cone is just so perfect. Dig 🙂

BostonOnAfan

June 14, 2012 at 2:14 pm

The guy who called about Kimball farms in Mass was right on, when peaches are in season the fresh peach ice cream is KILLER

Narc Zito

June 14, 2012 at 2:15 pm

If it’s NOT fresh, you can smell it, dude.

ShawnWollenberg

June 14, 2012 at 2:16 pm

Youngs is on the other side of Ohio from Canton near Yellow Springs (home of Dave Chappelle) / Springfield
Jeni’s in Columbus is super awesome and so is Whits from Granville, OH

Missing Graeter’s ice cream in Cincinnati, OH. Oprah Winfrey even said it was her favorite. http://www.graeters.com

Amyrf25

June 14, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Owowcow in ottsville PA. Homemade small batch ice cream, best ever. They use local produce. Try ‘I hate chocolate ‘if you love chocolate ice cream. They have facebook page, check them out you won’t be disappointed!

@speedscu “even when it’s 54 and raining here”… otherwise known as October through June.

Normldrum

June 14, 2012 at 2:19 pm

Little Man Ice Cream in Denver (LoHi). And for the guy who called up about Blue Bell. It really is above and beyond all store bought ice creams. Colorado went fucking nuts over it when it was finally brought here from Texas.

jerkstoresean

June 14, 2012 at 2:20 pm

We have McNultys in Rocky point on Long island. I haven’t been there in forever so I don’t remember how good it is

schadenfreudian

June 14, 2012 at 2:20 pm

Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Pullman, Wa.
Fuck yessssss!

Jpan85

June 14, 2012 at 2:20 pm

Went to Chincoteague Island as kid just remember going to a place that had fresh Belgian waffles with fresh peaches and ice cream on it. Probably the best ice cream treat I have ever had.

﻿﻿﻿Moo Thru ice cream in Remington, Virginia is located in Fauquier County Virginia and they have the best ice cream and fresh milk. This place is so popular that there is a wait for parking on the weekends. Their vanilla is the bomb. Here is the link:

Holsten’s Ice Cream in Bloomfield, NJ. The Sopranos filmed the final scene there.

Cletus from Brooklyn

June 14, 2012 at 2:24 pm

There are a couple places on Mott street that sell very good gelato…

Phil from PA

June 14, 2012 at 2:25 pm

Mannings in Srcranton PA – Own dairy and sells milk and ice cream at local stores.

ronreddog

June 14, 2012 at 2:25 pm

In Tampa Bay, this is the best Ice Cream place I have been to: http://strachansdesserts.com/ Strachan’s

TBVickroy

June 14, 2012 at 2:25 pm

What’s better than bitting the bottom of the sugar cone and sucking out the remainder of the melted ice cream?

Billy Zoom

June 14, 2012 at 2:26 pm

Jeni’s is fine if you’re a fancy man with fancy clothes. Give me Graeter’s any day.

Stanley Kubrick MacDonald

June 14, 2012 at 2:26 pm

BASSETT’S in philadelphia…. America’s Oldest Ice Cream Company…. Started in 1861 and still family owned and operated…. ROAD TRIP TO THE READING TERMINAL FOR A HISTORIC TREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

blumanta

June 14, 2012 at 6:12 pm

@Stanley Kubrick MacDonald right after DiNic’s pork wet…perfect trip

KathleenBx

June 14, 2012 at 2:26 pm

Be on the lookout for Little Baby’s Ice Cream outta Philly- http://www.littlebabysicecream.com/#
available at Morgan’s Pier, or Union Transfer, or offa one of their ice cream tricycles around the city…
They make super-premium homemade ice cream made using locally sourced dairy from Trickling Springs Creamery in Chambersburg PA., and they’re all bouts inventive flavor combinations…deelicious, very very good stuff.

fezitorium

June 14, 2012 at 2:27 pm

The Sugar Bowl in Old Scottsdale AZ is a great old timey parlor. Just don’t take any with you as it instantly melts the second you leave the place.

I_smell_bit

June 14, 2012 at 2:28 pm

I can’t remember the last time I had ice cream, but I will be having some right after work!

disneyspy

June 14, 2012 at 2:41 pm

@I_smell_bit i’m going to moomers after the show!

I_smell_bit

June 14, 2012 at 2:49 pm

@disneyspy Prince Puckler’s for me

mathewriley

June 14, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Peaceful Meadows on Route 18 in Whitman, MA. Has the cows out back, and all farm fresh ice cream and dairy products.

Benny77

June 15, 2012 at 9:37 am

@mathewriley Good call. PeACEFUL Meadows rules. Right down the street from Skatetown USA.

Christina’s in Cambridge, MA; typically 50 flavors available, and I think they own the spice shop next door. Very interesting/unique flavors

OllieInChicago

June 14, 2012 at 2:32 pm

Chicago Ice Cream:
1) Bobtail Soda Shop at 2951 Broadway. Fantastic
2) The ORIGINAL Rainbow Cone — Get one at the Taste Of Chicago. The shop is on S. Western ave (9200 block)
3) Margie’s Candies – North Center neighborhood. Get the Royal Fudge shake.

AlPal

June 14, 2012 at 5:21 pm

@OllieInChicago What about little scoopies?

jerkstoresean

June 14, 2012 at 2:34 pm

Theres another place in Riverhead Long island. I forgot the name but around Halloween they have pumpkin ice cream which is really good. And I had tiramisu ice there once that was awesome too

Narc Zito

June 14, 2012 at 2:35 pm

I’m surprised this is getting a lot more attention than the exercise thread the other day.

disneyspy

June 14, 2012 at 2:47 pm

@Narc Zito HA!

Narc Zito

June 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm

@disneyspy Hey, spy. Haven’t seen you on the IBang before. I loved having a backup for when the online feed went down. You rule.

sugahdoubled

June 14, 2012 at 2:35 pm

The Goldenrod (yeah great name) in manchester, Nh little shitty hole in the wall drive-up Fried seafood and icecream.. Not the best place in the world, but they do have Graham Cracker flavored icecream, with chocolate covered pieces of graham cracker in it.. Yum.

“Hank’s” in Houston, Texas is the best Ice Cream in the South. Great hand made flavors. The joint is a favorite of celebrities and the walls are covered with signed photos of Hank’s celebrity customers. Before he died, Hank would be behnd the counter greating customers and taking orders. His wife does a good job since Hank’s passing.

Davina DelVec

June 14, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Jersey Freeze in Freehold NJ. They have been featured on the Food Network and are to die for! – @DavinaDelVec

Lady Resin

June 14, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Applegate Ice Ceam in Upper Montclair, NJ

Karyanna

June 14, 2012 at 2:43 pm

The Ice Cream Machine in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Still the absolute best ice cream I ever had, I can’t even go back to eating store bought ice cream! Tiny little place but it always has long lines.http://www.icecreampie.com/

rnolfi13

June 14, 2012 at 2:45 pm

Timothy’s Ice Cream
Bridgeport, Ct

They Crush it!

flyerfan116

June 14, 2012 at 2:46 pm

South Jersey…Great place in Berlin, Sundaes all homemade ice cream and water ice

Best ice cream in eastern Ct. Is the dairy bar at the Uconn campus. Uconn is an agriculture school so they raise milk cows. Been around forever and I have never seen an ad for it, yet there is always a line to get in.http://dairybar.uconn.edu/

CardiffGiant11

June 15, 2012 at 3:54 pm

@Mailman Jeff Total agreement

DexterJohnson

June 15, 2012 at 2:51 am

Ann Arbor, Michigan: Zingerman’s Maple Bacon Gelato. Zingerman’s have their own farm where the milk and cream originate.

State College, PA – Berkey Creamery at Penn State Universities Main Campus. Famous for all flavors but most famous for Peachy Paterno. Students get half gallons packed up in dry ice to take home.
Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Fountain in Old City. Old recipies and owners and employees dressed up like old time soda shop workers. Excellent ice cream and I’ve cream creations. Also Bassets in the Reading Terminal Market. Awesome old school ice cream.

raydavis40

June 15, 2012 at 10:46 am

Woodside Farm in De, is the shit…….also Springers in Stone Harbor, NJ is amazing.

zel

June 15, 2012 at 11:08 am

Manning’s Ice cream, Scranton, PA. From start to finish, made on a family owned farm.

Kendall in Texas

June 15, 2012 at 11:36 am

Austin-based Amy’s Ice Cream. They are of the mix-in variety. their mexican vanilla is great.
Then the Texas stop sign, Dairy Queen. Dip Cone is classic. Great Sundaes. And the Blizzards have become the big seller.

Kendall in Texas

June 15, 2012 at 11:37 am

Then, if you are in north Texas, try Beth Marie’s on the square in Denton. Great old school feel. Make all their own ice cream with old school italian sodas and floats.

Magic Fountain in Mattituck on the North Fork of Long Island.
In addition to the real, home made, old-school-style ice cream, they offer a ton of great soft-serve options for the amateurs.
Don’t let the slick website fool you, the actual store hasn’t changed much in the 30+ years.
Not many cow farms nearby but plenty of wineries.
Enjoy!

CardiffGiant11

June 15, 2012 at 3:50 pm

Uconn dairy barn in storrs,ct right n the uconn campus. They have the cows right there and they do ice cream really great ice cream

New Haven Paul

June 15, 2012 at 4:20 pm

Ashley’s Ice Cream New Haven and Guilford CT. Get flavors, that change on a daily basis. Very cute counter girls. You can stop in and make requests.

the best milk shake you can ever get is Magic Fountain in Summit and Union NJ

sm0k3ydaband1t

June 21, 2012 at 7:44 am

being a vermonter i have to nominate ben n jerrys for an honorable mention if u can only make it to the gas station for your next cream fix, shit is delicious. that said, most of the little ice cream stands around the state (not a full store, just the seasonal set ups) have homeade icecream that is incredible, theres one inparticular in the islands that has an amazing vermont maple syrup and walnut flavor.

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